Stefani Cohen on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Stefani Cohen. Check out our conversation below.

Stefani, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Having grown up in a turbulent household I am most proud of creating a safe and secure home environment for my children with my husband. I re-parented myself as we raised our two children. This took tremendous self-awareness and a lot of “on the job learning” and while people see our loving, inclusive family I don’t think many people know how hard it was for me at times.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I turned the challenges that I had growing up into a social work private practice helping other parents. I always tell my clients, “I wish I had me when my kids were small.” My practice is based on positive parenting strategies to maximize children’s social and emotional development. My style is supportive and practical, I also tell my clients, “My goal is to eventually be out of the job of helping them.”.

My current niche is helping people who are afraid of dogs face their fear through exposure therapy. This is accomplished with the help of a therapy dog team. My two books outline this in detail.

My love of animals, especially dogs, developed when I was a young child. Dogs have always been an integral part of my life. When I realized that my daughter Becky was afraid of dogs I began to develop and implement the Overcoming the Fear of Dogs Protocol (OFOD). Since then, I have perfected this method and have helped many people to feel safe and comfortable around dogs. My first book is the culmination of my efforts. It was born out of my wish and need for guidance when I needed help and support to help my daughter overcome her fear of dogs. My second book is a companion to the first and is a fun and engaging activity guide to help kids face their fear of dogs

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I don’t know if powerful is the correct term. More that I had the ability to really help others.

What I realized was that I could help people change their narrative about themselves. I see it very often when I support people through their fear of dogs. They show me their vulnerability (and sometimes shame) about their fear of dogs. This fear can range from mild to debilitating and impacts daily life.

I helped a 40 year old man learn to feel safe enough to leave his apartment to take the trash out and go to a park with his kids no longer worrying that he might encounter a dog. I have helped numerous children understand dogs so that they could feel brave enough to go on a play date where there was a dog.

My work is truly life changing which makes me feel very proud. It is also extremely rewarding and humbling to be invited in to people’s struggles.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared as a child I found comfort in my companion animals. We had several dogs and I was lucky enough to have a horse. They provided unconditional love and didn’t care if I wasn’t wearing the newest jeans.

Having 3 dogs sleep with me at night or listen to my woes was very healing. Stroking their fur immediately made me feel better. I still pet my dog as a way to de-stress. Being able to ride my horse out in nature is something I will never forget. I still seek out greenery, the ocean and nature’s sounds when I feel upset. The smell of pine needles still brings me back to the many trails I traveled.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe that when a person dies their spirit and energy live on forever. Their body may be gone but their energy is still with us. There is no real way to prove this although I often feel the presence of a loved one who has passed.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing? 
I regret that I didn’t write my books sooner. I also regret that I didn’t strengthen the part of my practice that helps people who are afraid of dogs sooner. I lacked the confidence and the courage to put myself out there sooner. But, when I did everything fell into place and I truly saw that there was a need for my expertise. I wish I had done it much sooner and trusted myself.

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